Jay Shah confirms new head coach will join Team India for Sri Lanka series

Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the new head coach of Team India will soon join the team ahead of the upcoming limited-overs series in Sri Lanka later this month.

The identity of the new coach remains undisclosed, but speculation suggests former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir might be replacing Rahul Dravid. BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has shortlisted two candidates after conducting interviews.

Also Read: Virat Kohli misses out on ICC T20 World Cup team of the tournament

“Both coach and selector appointments will be made shortly,” Shah was quoted as saying. “The CAC has shortlisted two names and after they reach Mumbai, their decision will be final.” Notably, VVS Laxman will be leading the Indian team on their tour to Zimbabwe, while the new coach will take charge from the Sri Lanka series onwards.

The shortlisted candidates for the head coach position are reported to be Gautam Gambhir and former India women’s coach WV Raman. The Indian team’s tour of Sri Lanka will begin on July 27th and will comprise three T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals (ODIs).

While announcing the coaching change, Shah also praised the pivotal roles played by senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s recent T20 World Cup victory. Both players were instrumental in the team’s thrilling win against South Africa in the finals. However, both Sharma and Kohli, along with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, have since announced their retirement from T20 international cricket.

“The captain was the same last year and here in Barbados,” Shah commented, referring to the T20 World Cup finals in 2023 (Australia) and 2024 (Barbados). “We lost only the final in 2023, while this time we came back stronger and secured the title. Experience is crucial, especially in World Cups where experimentation is limited. These senior players, like Rohit and Virat, understand the importance of experience and know when to make way for younger talents. Just look at Rohit’s strike rate, it surpasses many younger players.”

Regarding Hardik Pandya’s impressive performance in the World Cup and his potential as captain, Shah clarified that leadership decisions would be made after discussions with the selectors. “The selectors will decide on the captaincy, and we will announce it after consulting with them. You mentioned Hardik; there were doubts about his form, but we, along with the selectors, believed in him, and he proved his worth.”

The recent retirements of these key players mark a significant transition for the Indian team. “The transition has already begun with these three greats stepping down,” Shah added.

India’s recent T20 World Cup victory signifies a turning point after a string of disappointments in major finals over the past decade. Jay Shah expressed confidence in maintaining this winning momentum.

“We aim for India to win all the titles,” declared Jay Shah. “India has exceptional bench strength; only three players from this World Cup squad are going to Zimbabwe. We can practically field three strong teams simultaneously. Considering the team’s current progress, our target is to win the World Test Championship final and the Champions Trophy. These tournaments will likely see a similar squad with the senior players returning to the mix.”

While plans for a grand felicitation ceremony to celebrate the victorious T20 World Cup squad are underway, they have been temporarily delayed due to a hurricane warning that has shut down the airport in Barbados. “We are stuck here too, just like everyone else,” Shah said. “Felicitation plans will be finalized once travel arrangements are clear.”

On a separate note, Jay Shah confirmed that an India A team will tour Australia later this year in preparation for the upcoming 5-match Test series against the Aussies.

Related posts:

India, Australia, and England to be part of a “super series” in 2021: Saurav Ganguli  Final Decision For Hosting Asia Cup 2023 Will be Taken After IPL 2023 Final BCCI Announces Test Cricket Incentive Scheme to Boost Popularity of Longest Format BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed who excluded Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from central contract